Home / Health / Autism Therapy Abuse: Colorado Oversight Failures Exposed
Autism Therapy Abuse: Colorado Oversight Failures Exposed
16 Apr
Summary
- Dozens of child abuse complaints found at unregulated autism therapy facilities.
- State Medicaid program made $78 million in improper payments.
- Proposed bill aims to license facilities and providers to ensure child safety.
A recent report from the Colorado Department of Human Services has highlighted significant issues within facilities providing therapy for children with autism. Dozens of complaints detailing child abuse have surfaced, prompting calls for urgent regulation. These revelations follow a federal audit that identified at least $78 million in improper payments made by the state's Medicaid program to these facilities.
Many of these facilities have been criticized for exploiting a lack of regulations to increase revenue. Concerns include unqualified staff, excessive therapy hours, and documented instances of physical harm, restraint, and neglect. Parents have reported turning to child protective services with little recourse, as counties do not currently regulate these centers.
In response, state representatives are preparing to introduce legislation that would license both ABA facilities and their providers. This bill aims to establish rules for training, background checks, staffing, and safety protocols, ensuring better protection for children receiving therapy. The Department of Human Services is currently investigating over two dozen facilities, emphasizing the need to balance regulation with continued access to care.
